Phuket –
A high-stakes drug raid in Phuket ended in tragedy when a narcotics officer was fatally shot and a suspect killed during a violent standoff inside a local apartment complex.
The Wichit Police told the Phuket Express that at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday (September 8th), police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment located at 34/19 Soi Yai Chan.
Upon arrival, investigators found that a member of the provincial narcotics suppression unit, Police Sub-Lieutenant Prajak Taharnthai, had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.
The incident unfolded during a planned operation targeting a drug trafficking ring. Earlier in the day, officers had arrested a suspect and obtained intelligence leading to a sting operation. Undercover officers successfully arranged a drug buy, resulting in the arrest of another individual on the ground floor of the same apartment building. Authorities seized two bags of methamphetamine during the arrest.
The situation escalated when officers moved to apprehend additional suspects on the third floor. Inside the unit were a married couple believed to be involved in drug distribution, along with two male and one female associate. As police entered the room, one of the men fled into the bathroom and refused to surrender. When officers attempted to negotiate, the suspect fired through the door, striking Sub-Lieutenant Prajak.
In response, police returned fire, killing the gunman inside the bathroom.
A later search of the apartment uncovered two firearms and approximately 500 methamphetamine pills. The remaining individuals were taken into custody for questioning at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters.
Senior officials were present at the scene to oversee the investigation. Forensic teams and prosecutors have launched a full inquiry into the incident.
